Chapter 454

Natalie stared at Daniela, her eyes brimming with anticipation.

Daniela cupped her chin with one hand,her expression indifferent. "Really? I actually like the bad boy type."

Natalie groaned,exasperated. "Daniela, you're not exactly the hopeless romantic type. Money matters,you know.How does Cedric have such a hold on you?"

Daniela shrugged. "I didn't realize it before, but I guess I am a romantic after all."

Natalie sighed, feeling utterly defeated as Daniela's proud expression lingered.

She departed Daniela's office, only to be stopped at the door. A hand extended a sleek black card towards her."Five million!"

Natalie turned, her eyes narrowing at the ugly face before her. "Spend a night with me, and it's all yours.Natalie."

Natalie scoffed, her chin lifting defiantly. "What a joke!Linden,do you think I'd sell my dignity for five million?Pathetic." Linden watched Natalie retreat with cold amusement She carried herself with pride.Yet, he found himself drawn to that pride.

He thought it would be fascinating to watch her submit someday.

A dark, twisted smile crept across Linden's face.

Natalie never thought she'd lose sleep over five million,let alone borrow from friends.

They all avoided the topic, leaving Natalie seething with frustration. In the end, none of them could be counted on.

"Natalie, we're strapped too. Our allowances barely cover us. But there's a way to make quick money.Are you interested?"

Natalie shot her friend a skeptical glance. "What way?"

"Attending those exclusive parties hosted by the wealthy, and staying for three days and nights.A hundred thousand dollars a night."

Natalie sneered. "So, basically, selling yourself.Those men are vile. They'll chew you up and spit yo out."

Natalie carried herself with a sense of superiority,believing virtue was priceless. Men like that could only dream of touching her. If they thought they could get anywhere near her, they'd better start dreaming.

"You highly regard yourself, but do you want the money?" her friend snapped. "If you're willing to go I'll make sure they offer you more money. Natalie,with your looks, you'd make double. It's a waste not to put it to use."

Natalie spat, her voice icy. "I'm not lowering my standards entertaining men."

Born into high society, she had seen it all.

She refused to stoop to those decadent gatherings where the rich reveled in their indulgence and depravity.

Natalie strode off, her face set in determination, while Ker friend watched her retreating form with a bitter,almost contemptuous sneer. "You'll be crawling back eventually,"she muttered.

Desperation led Natalie to see Cedric.

She stood before him, head bowed,biting her lip."Cedric, I'm in trouble. I need to borrow some money.Please."

She stationed herself at the entrance of the Elite Lux building, blocking Cedric's way. Dressed in a daring,low-cut evening gown with a thigh-high slit, she exuded an air of allure and seduction.

Natalie had made up her mind.

If she had to cross this line, it had to be someone as striking as Cedric, not some pot-bellied, balding man.

She convinced herself that sleeping with Cedric felt like a huge win.

Cedric frowned, his face twisted with a look of repulsion.

"Cedric, I'm untouched. You could be my first.Teach and guide me in bed."

Natalie's face held a delicate, innocent allure that effortlessly drew attention. She knew exactly when she appeared at her most captivating.

Cedric's face remained stone-cold as he gestured to a security guard, who had been staring in shock,and signaled him over.

"Yes,Mr.Phillips."

"Throw this woman out. Make sure she never steps foot in Elite Lux again."

Natalie's face drained of color as shock washed over her."Cedric,I..."

Before she could finish, the security guard roughly seized Natalie and dragged her out.

The door of Elite Lux slammed shut behind her and Natalie couldn't believe her eyes.

It wasn't at all how she had imagined it.

In the darkness, Linden asked, "Now that Natalie's been thrown out of Elite Lux, are you really still not going to help me?" Elyse stared across the road at Natalie, her makeup smudged by tears. "Why would I trust you?"

Linden smiled, his expression calm. "Because I'm Daniela's family doctor and she trusts me."

Elyse's eyes narrowed, a shadow passing over her expression. Maybe Daniela suspected her connection to Brylee's death.Why else would she refuse to help Natalie with the money she required?

If Daniela knew the truth, Elyse knew she would have to have Daniela killed.

"One night," Linden said, his tongue flicking over his lips. "As long as Natalie willingly spends one night with me,I'll kill Daniela for you."

Elyse hesitated, then nodded. "Deal."

Linden smiled, glancing at Elyse. "Do you think Natalie will obey your request? Oh, let me clarify something.Don't pull any tricks with masks. I want to confirm it's really her this time."

Elyse's plan was exposed, and her fury simmered."What are you implying? Did I trick you before? Isn't Nina my daughter? Didn't she sleep with you? Linden,you've gone too far!"

Linden chuckled darkly. "Killing Daniela's too risky.I honestly miss the first time. How about you let me have both girls?" But Linden wasn't done. His grin widened,dripping with mockery as he stared at Elyse. "Or you could join us."

Seeing Elyse's calm demeanor. Linden let out a hearty laugh. "Alright then, how about this? I still prefer Natalie. If you don't trust me, how about you and Nina serve me for a night first? Once that's done, then let Natalie sleep with me. How does that sound?"

Linden grinned wickedly. "I like saving the best for last."

Elyse's stomach churned with utter disgust.